The two double portraits of Jan van Eyck and John Singleton Copley show a married couple posing together for the paintings. At first glance, it appears that they are both very similar because both pieces have the married couple posing for the pieces. However, they come from different artists and different time periods. The marital relationship of these men and women is different. Social structure and concerns of cultural situations also played a role in how works were made and performed. Jan van Eyck's first piece titled "The Double Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife" was created in 1434. During this time period, artists were given more flexibility in what they had to produce; and they took advantage of this by exploring new themes and techniques (Mckay). The man in this piece, Giovanni Arnolfini, earned the right to have Eyck paint himself and his wife instead of inheriting it (Stokstad, Cothren 293). This was not normal practice at that time. Arnolfini's wealth and connections put him in the position to create this painting (Stokstad, Cothren 293). This fact shows how the social structure worked then. Most people should inherit this honor. Instead, he bought the right to do so. Another detail that stands out in this portrait is the sense of religious fulfillment. Eyck added several things to the painting that added sacred meaning. The crystal rosaries hanging next to the mirror show the couple's piety (Stokstad, Cothren 293). The mirror hanging on the wall is also a symbol. It is said to be a symbol of God's all-seeing eye (Stokstad, Cothren 293). The figure of Saint Margaret carved at the top of a chair post by the bed is another religion... in the center of the card... easier for him to paint a little more freely than Eyck. Although both of these pieces are a double portrait, they are very different in many ways. It would be interesting to see what kind of work they would both have completed if they had the freedom to paint as freely as we can today. Unfortunately, we'll never get to see that happen. Works Cited Stokstad, Marylin and Michael Cothren. Art a short history. Pearson, 2012. Collia-Suzuki, Gina. “Art-facts.” 'Arte-Fatti' Gina Collia-Suzuki, 09 May 2011.Web. April 03, 2014. McKay, Brett and Kate McKay. "The foundations of art: the Renaissance". The art of virilityRSS. The Art of Manhood, July 16, 2010. Web. April 3, 2014.Philadelphia Museum of Art - School and Teachers: Resources for Teachers." Philadelphia Museum of Art - School and Teachers: Resources for Teachers. Philadelphia Museum of Art, ndWeb. 03 April. 2014.